Today we will list the top 10 most powerful kings in Nigeria and also the first class kings in Nigeria, In Ancient times.
Before the British colonization of Nigeria, there were powerful kings in Nigeria who were seen as demi-gods who were said to have great influence and control over their subjects and on the people they rule.
In modern times, the powers of these kings have declined due to the emergence of the Federal system of government operating in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, there are still some of these monarchs whose influence cannot be underestimated and are respected due to their heritage and tradition from time immemorial.
1. The Sultan of Sokoto
The Sultan’s position in Nigeria dates back to the pre-colonial era and is one that has a lot of influence especially for the Muslims.
He is not just seen as a Monarch but the spiritual leader for the Muslims in Nigeria.
Currently, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV is the present Sultan of Sokoto and a first class king in Nigeria.
He succeeded his late brother Muhammadu Maccido who died in a plane crash, the ADC Airline flight 53 flight to be precise.
Abubakar was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1977 and served in the elite Armoured Corps.
He headed a presidential security unit of the Armoured Corps that guarded then military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida in the late 1980s.
Abubakar also commanded a battalion of African peacekeepers in Chad during the early 1980s as part of the Organisation of African Unity’s force and was military liaison officer for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the mid 1990s.
2. The Etsu Of Nupe
Alhaji (Dr) (Brig. Gen) Yahaya Abubakar rtd CFR is a traditional ruler who was born to the family of Late Alhaji Abubakar Saganuwa Nakordi Nupe/brother to the 11th Etsu Nupe Late Malam Musa Bello and his mother Late Hajiya Habiba Bantigi Ndayako daughter of the 9th Etsu Nupe and Sister to late Alhaji Etsu Umaru Sanda Ndayako the 12th Etsu Nupe of Nupe Kingdom
Before his appointment as the Etsu Nupe he was the Kusodu Nupe, last military posting was to the Defence Headquarters Abuja, where he was a director of foreign operations, before retiring as a Brigadier General in September 2003.
His Royal Highness Yahaya Abubakar Kusodu Nupe is the 2nd second Most Powerful and First Class King Nigeria and was appointed the 13th Etsu Nupe on 11 September 2003, the ruler of all the Nupe speaking people world wide (Etsu Nupe: The King of Nupe) in succession to his late uncle Alhaji Etsu Umar Sanda Ndayako. By virtue of this title he is the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
3. The Emir of Kano
Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II was the former Emir of Kano as he was removed by the Governor of Kano state recently.
Sanusi was formerly the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he is also one of the richest Kings in Nigeria.
He was made Emir after the death of Alhaji Dr. Ado Bayero who ruled for 51 years.
The current Emir of Kano is His Royal Highness, Aminu Ado Bayero.
4. The Alaafin of Oyo
The Alaafin of Oyo is seen as one of the most powerful kings in Nigeria because of the culture, heritage and history of the old Oyo empire which dates back to the pre-colonial era in Nigeria.
According to legend, the Alaafin of Oyo wielded such sovereign authority and was seen as god to the Yoruba people.
The current Alaafin of Oyo is Lamidi Olayiwola III, who succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesi Ladigbolu II.
5. The Ooni of Ife
The current Ooni of Ile-Ife is Oba Ogunwusi and he is the paramount ruler of the Ife dynasty.
It is said that he plays a strong part in choosing the Osun’s state governor.
The Ooni is also a first class King.
6. The Dein of Agbor
History has it that the Dein of Agbor became a king at just four months old which makes him the youngest monarch to ever ascend a royal throne in Nigeria.
King Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi is currently the Dein of Agbor or Officer in the order of the crown as it is popularly called.
7. The Oba of Benin
He is also referred to as “Omo N’Oba” and the ruler of the Benin kingdom.
The power of this traditional ruler is seen as supreme as the ancient Kingdom of Benin dates back even before the colonial masters settled in Nigeria.
The current Oba of Benin is Oba Ewuare the II (Ogidigan) Uku Apkolopkpolo who succeeded his late father Oba Eriaduwa.
8. The Oba of Lagos
He is also referred to as the Eleko of Eko, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu is the current Oba of Lagos and an influential king in Nigeria.
Lagos itself was the former capital of Nigeria and currently the most populated city in Nigeria.
9. The Olu of Warri
The Olu of Warri is another powerful first class king in the country.
He is the leader of the Itsekiri people.
The Warri kingdom is currently ruled by a popular Nigerian lawyer, who has held various positions in Warri, Godwin Toju Emiko. Warri is located in Delta state
10. The Obi of Onitsha
Also on the current top 10 most powerful Kings in Nigeria is Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
A very influential monarch in Nigeria and he is the current traditional ruler and the Obi of Onitsha people.
When it comes to issues concerning the south eastern part of Nigeria, he is most likely to be first consulted which ranks him among the most powerful kings in Nigeria.
This is the final list of most powerful kings in Nigeria and their location, if you are doubting about these ranks then make your comment below
